How to Remove and Replace Thermostats & Vent Plugs

How to Remove & Replace Thermostats & Vent Plugs on a MerCruiser 260hp 5.0
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[@miked5563]

Another tip....if you have not serviced the thermostat before....make sure you buy the plastic sleeve. Eddie does routine maintenance. Those who don't, the sleeve will break when you pry it out. Been awhile, Eddie. Nice to see you back.

[@xersis31]

It's a safe bet but not everyone

[@michaelthim337]

I had a broken drain plug on my thermostat as well. I used the torch/screwdriver trick, and it worked like a charm. Heated the screwdriver & inserted it into the plug. It melted the plastic as expected, and then I just left it there (screwdriver in place) and let the whole thing cool. once it cooled (and the plastic re-hardened) I was able to effortlessly unscrew the old plug.

[@Fibs4Tibs]

Eddie’s videos helped a ton when I bought my first twin merc/bravo 3 setup!

[@Kurt22ism]

Yea me too my engines have sat still for 3 years. I treat Eddie's videos as the bible! What paste or silicon is Eddie using?

[@jgsmith1624]

He’s back!

[@ChrisFavarolo]

Previous owner had installed the thermostat in upside down so when I went to replace it after I purchased the boat I just put it in the same way it was assuming it was correct orientation. Caused my boat to overheat on the water with 5 friends not a good time. Eddie has the correct orientation in this video. 👍

[@OnboardWithEddie]

Yeah, That will do it! Happy to help out. Thank you for your support

[@miked5563]

You should do a summer video of you out on water having fun and add a quick clip at the end of maintenance video to motivate people.

[@pgc4147]

just replaced my 160 t stat on my merc 4.3mpi and found your vids (i watched the manifold/riser vid also) very helpful. Your step by step procedure with the important tips along the way made the job easy. One comment and one question. Comment; I heated the housing with a heat gun before removing the 2 bolts. last think i needed was for one of them to break off. Question; My boat was running a bit hot, like around 185/190 and thought a new t stat may be the fix; it wasnt. I noticed when I drained the engine from the mixing elbow to access the t stat housing up top, this after having run the boat for about an hour before in the lake, that some antifreeze drained out. My boat has never seen salt water; always run on a lake. I wonder if this is indicative of the high temp being due to a problem with the water getting out of the boat (riser and manifold) as opposed to it getting in (impellar). Your thoughts appreciated. Again many thanks for the time and effort you put to your vids

[@richjones6518]

Can you help i.d. the small vent hoses coming off the top of the manifolds towards the arrestor and block? Thanks for ALL of your videos. 2001 Mercruiser 5.7 efi.

[@mongo64071]

Thanks. Exactly what I needed to know

[@michaelking42]

Great video, great explanation thank you. You talk like you do this job often, how often are you replacing the TS? Maybe I missed you mentioning the frequency of replacement?

[@bensgarage9954]

Nice Rinker Dinker👍

[@danilobautista2291]

Hi Eddie great videos, my question is not related with your last video but maybe you can give me an advice. I'm having issues trying to get by boat above 3600 rpm with a Merc 5.0 mpi and a Bravo 3 outdrive. We already did a complete service including new manifolds, rotor, dist. cap, water pump, cool fuel module clean , cables + plugs, oils and filters, timing fixed. any Idea what could I be missing to take the boat back to 4200 rpm? thanks for your help.

[@OnboardWithEddie]

I just had a similar problem. my fuel injectors need to be cleaned. Taken out and cleaned. Hope that helps

[@danilobautista2291]

@@OnboardWithEddie thank you! Will try that

[@MikeHeller]

Bought a Sea Ray with a 350 and Bravo 3. I'm thinking of mooring it in a slip on the ocean for 6 months of the year, dry storage for the winter. It has open cooling, can't seem to get a straight answer if this is a bad idea or not. I know saltwater isn't good for an engine but if I flush it well after the season (or even mid-season, if needed) can I do this? Like your videos, thanks!

[@OnboardWithEddie]

I keep my boat in the Salt water for the boating season. And I dry darker in the winter.

[@miked5563]

Go for it. Just have good bottom paint and zincs. She'll be fine. Just gotta use her. No boat can sit in water without some growth.

[@Kurt22ism]

I'm struggling to find a descent angled scrapper. They are all not angled enough or made solid.

[@OnboardWithEddie]

I’ve had that 45° angle gasket scraper for over 35 years. I got it when I was a car mechanic. Wow. Yeah I’m old lol. It’s from Marco tools. I did find one similar on eBay. From SK tools 6652 S-k Thanks for watching the videos ⚓️🤙

[@mchaves7663]

You can make one by buying a small prying tool and sharpen it.

[@sherifnoualia8960]

hello i need you help please just buy larson 330 in Rhode island need to stansport to miami

[@littleboatcaptain6962]

Hi buddy hope you are well I'm asking a favour, I have just invested a product to help secure lines. I have been interviewed by super yacht captain on KZbin video called GROUNDGRAB. I know I'm being cheeky, but would love your feedback Many thanks Lee